Guwahati: In a decisive political showdown, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has achieved a staggering victory in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) elections, capturing 33 out of 36 seats in a result that underscores the ruling coalition’s deepening influence in Assam’s tribal heartland. The opposition Congress, once a dominant force in the region, was reduced to a solitary seat, while independent candidates secured the remaining two.
The resounding triumph not only reinforces the BJP-NDA’s dominance in Assam but also serves as a crucial momentum-builder ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections in May 2025. Political analysts view this as a clear endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welfare schemes, particularly those targeting indigenous communities, which have been a focal point of the BJP’s outreach in the Northeast.
A visibly elated Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X to celebrate the victory, declaring, “Another Saffron Wave in Assam! Our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council for speaking in unison and endorsing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji’s welfare policies, particularly for the indigenous communities. NDA has won 33/36 seats.”
The Chief Minister’s post, shared widely across social media, highlighted the BJP’s successful penetration into tribal constituencies.
For the Congress, the RHAC results mark yet another electoral disaster, raising serious questions about its grassroots organizational strength. With only one seat in its kitty, the party’s inability to counter the BJP’s aggressive campaigning and welfare narrative has become glaringly evident.
A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted, “We failed to connect with the youth and tribal voters who are increasingly aligning with the BJP’s development agenda.”
While the BJP-NDA juggernaut rolled on, two independent candidates managed to secure victories, indicating localized dissent against established parties. Sources suggest that these wins could be attributed to hyper-local issues and dissatisfaction with candidate selection in those constituencies.
The RHAC results serve as a barometer for the upcoming Panchayat polls, where the BJP is expected to leverage this victory to galvanize its cadre. For the Congress, the defeat signals an urgent need for introspection and revival strategies, especially in tribal and rural Assam.
With the BJP-NDA now holding near-total control over the RHAC, all eyes are on how this political dominance will translate into governance and policy implementation in the autonomous council.
As celebrations erupt in BJP offices across Assam, the party is expected to intensify its campaign for the Panchayat elections. Meanwhile, the Congress faces an uphill battle to regain relevance in a state where the BJP’s grip appears stronger than ever.
For now, the message from the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council is clear: The saffron surge in Assam shows no signs of slowing down.
